RE: Bird dog questions
If a person isn't ready when the dog flushes the bird, it's because the person can't read his dog. If one watches their dog they will know when the bird is coming up. It's just that easy. The dogs get real birdy and you can tell by the tail and the body language the dog is going to flush. Most think a pointing dog is the best bird dog but this isn't necessarily the case. Versadog would disagree with me but this is what makes the world go 'round. If you want to see some great dog work go to a springer or cocker trial. You will see dogs which mark as well as and maybe better than a retriever. These dogs also have a tremendous amont of hunt. This is the way to determine what you want, go see them hunt.
Dr Fatguy